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School of Security & Global Studies

Legal Studies

Online Associate of Science in Legal Studies (AS)

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72%Have Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt2

About This Associate's Degree in Legal Studies

American Military University’s (AMU) online associate of science degree in Legal Studies provides a strong foundation in legal doctrine for students interested in a legal degree. AMU is among the military-friendly colleges offering degrees in legal studies.

AMU’s legal studies degree online features various legal specialty courses that explore:

  • Criminal and civil litigation
  • Legal ethics
  • Real estate law
  • Criminal law
  • Paralegal procedures
  • Legal research and writing
  • General law

A key concept of AMU’s legal studies program is its focus on access to justice. The program is designed to address complex challenges associated with the public’s ability to access justice.

What You Will Do

  1. Apply legal research and writing skills in realistic legal contexts
  2. Develop critical thinking and legal analytical skills
  3. Demonstrate proficiency with office equipment and software used in law firms

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
60
Transfer up to 45 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

|
Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

|
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5224

|
Presidents winning elections, countries declaring war, spouses saving a marriage, students earning scholarships—all of these have something in common: argumentation. Mountains have been moved by masters of this craft. Just think of what such people as Martin Luther King, Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln achieved with the power of their words. There is, as Horace says, harmony in discord. We will explore that harmony and why Fredrick Douglass said there can be no progress without struggle. In this class, we will examine argument strategies and structures, interrogate assumptions, explore moral arguments with complex empirical questions, and analyze a variety of texts—popular culture, websites, advertisements, etc. Be prepared to work with a variety of evidence and opinions, cultures, counterclaims, evidentiary quality, and more, as we study and practice the art of argumentation. (Pre-requisite: ENGL101 or ENGL110)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2886

|
This is the foundation course for the program. This course requires no previous legal background and introduces the student to the paralegal profession, the legal system, legal research, writing, and analysis, and other aspects of the law and the law office. This course will provide practical problem exercises of the type faced in an office environment; help the student develop the requisite paralegal skills; and presents a variety of the ethical issues and perspectives that paralegals face today. The overall theme is to address a broad range of paralegal topics in a contemporary law office environment.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2897

|
This course gives the students a broad overview of the litigation process and the specific role of the paralegal. This course is an introduction to and the exploration of the process related to civil litigation and the procedures normally the responsibility of the paralegal in preparing materials for trial. Coverage will include information gathering, interviewing, organizing, and preparation of materials for trial. It includes general information on the litigation process and practical exercises to help the student learn to implement the role of the paralegal, such as how to conduct an initial fact finding interview. The course will give an overview of the structure of the court system.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2900

|
This course is a study of real estate law, with emphasis on those portions of real estate law that are essential to the processes and functions of the real estate purchase, administration, financing, land use regulation, financial instruments, leases, and property rights. The law of real estate has traditionally consisted of laborious manual searches to ensure good title. The internet provides real estate attorneys and legal assistants with new tools and procedures for conducting real estate transactions. This course will prepare the student for these concepts and will introduce the student to the new world of the Internet as related to real estate law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2901

|
This course will examine the practical aspects of criminal law and procedure as they pertain to the work of the paralegal. The course covers the nature of criminal liability, the elements of various crimes, and defenses to criminal accusations. The course will also cover criminal procedure, from search and seizure through trial and appeal. Constitutional issues relating to search and seizure, self-incrimination and other matters are explored in depth. Students learn how to prepare relevant legal documents.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2570

|
This course will assess the methods used to locate necessary legal materials and be able to evaluate the appropriate citations of those materials. The paralegal aspects are reviewed and distinguished from other judicial case briefings. The course will introduce legal analysis methods and the preparation of appropriate techniques for researching legal issues and cases. Critical definitions of legal terminology are analyzed and used in preparation of legal materials such as memoranda, client letters, and other relevant documents. The course presents the student with techniques for effective writing in the legal environment.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2558

|
This course is an overview of civil practice and procedure and will examine the process that courts must follow when hearing cases of a civil nature. During the course of study, students will learn how a lawsuit is commenced, what kind of service of process is required, the types of pleadings, motions, and orders allowed in civil cases, the timing and manner of depositions and discovery, the conduct of trials, the process for judgment, various available remedies, and how the courts and clerks must function. The course focuses on the legal skills involving interviewing and counseling for civil cases, the drafting of legal documents for civil cases, and legal ethics focused specifically on civil cases. Course topics include civil trial practices of pleadings, motions, discovery, pre-trial conferences, jury selection, trial protocols, and appellate strategies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4295

|
This undergraduate course introduces students to the ethics and professional responsibilities of the legal profession. Emphasis is given to the strict regulation of the practice of law and accompanying reasons, as well as the standard of care expected by those who work in the field. Important ethical issues, such as marketing, client relationships, fees, and communications are explored. Students will analyze the model rules and their practical applications.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5345

|
This course is a culminating course for the Associate of Science in Legal Studies degree to be taken after all other courses in the program have been satisfactorily completed. It is designed to allow the student to review, analyze, and integrate the work completed toward the degree. The student will complete an approved academic project or paper that demonstrates their grasp of the legal studies field. (Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and completion of at least 85% of other courses required in the AS in Legal Studies program.)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Earning AMU's Legal Studies Degree Online

Our legal studies associate program is delivered online, providing flexibility and convenience for working professionals.  This legal degree offers quality education designed to help develop the analytical, technical, and communication skills necessary for engaging in responsibilities associated with law, law firms, and legal services.

This program offers foundational knowledge often required for nonlawyer responsibilities such as paralegal or legal assistant work, legal documents expertise, legal analysis, compliance, jury consultancy, and victim advocacy.

Learning online can help develop proficiency with using technology, an important attribute in today’s professional environment.

 

 

Curriculum Overview

The Associate of Science in Legal Studies introduces students to concepts often used in legal theory, legal and factual research, legal services, legal writing, civil practice, legal ethics, and by paralegals.

AMU’s program features legal studies coursework that offers a comprehensive understanding of the American legal system and judicial system itself. Our legal studies program also exercises skills in effective writing and communication, legal reasoning and critical thinking, and interpersonal and organizational management. 

Our associates in legal studies is an opportunity for busy adults to further their education and explore interests in online law studies. Many faculty have extensive legal backgrounds and share their real-world knowledge in various settings.

How to Pay for this Degree

Getting a college degree is an investment in your future. However, it can be tough to determine how to pay for your legal studies degree. There are several options available, depending on your circumstances and eligibility.

American Military University’s Preferred Military Rate is {{{UndergradPreferrredMilitaryRate}}} per credit hour for undergraduate and $250 per credit hour for master’s-level courses. The rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and Reservists. Military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents, are also eligible to receive the Preferred Military Rate.

Veteran benefits can assist those who are pursuing a legal studies degree. AMU has trained financial aid advisors available to help veterans navigate and maximize GI Bill® benefits. Veterans and their families are also eligible for AMU’s Veterans Grant, a 10% savings on tuition for undergraduate and master’s-level programs. Eligible family members are parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

Federal financial aid is another way to pay for a legal studies major. This could include grants and loans from the government. Typically, grants do not need to be repaid, while loans do require repayment.

To apply for federal student aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year they plan to attend school.

Employer education benefits can also help cover the cost, either through tuition reimbursement or direct support. Many organizations partner with AMU to offer additional benefits to partner employees or members. Check with your Human Resources department to find out whether your employer is a partner or offers tuition assistance. 

Though AMU does not offer any, scholarships are one way to manage the costs of continuing your education. You may also choose to pay out of pocket. The University also offers payment via credit card, e-check, digital payments, and automatic debit plans. 

AMU financial aid advisors are available to help answer your questions about financing your studies.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
The Preferred Military Rate supersedes all university grants and special promotions and cannot be combined with other special pricing.
Tuition grants cannot be combined with other special University rates, promotions, or grants. Only one tuition grant can be applied per course registration. 

 

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What is the Difference Between an Associate Degree in Paralegal vs. Legal Studies?

You may be wondering how an associate degree in paralegal compares with an associate’s degree in legal studies. Either may be appropriate to help build proficiency to support a legal team.

A paralegal program provides students with fundamental knowledge of specific laws related to the legal profession. Paralegal studies typically cover civil procedure, contracts, and torts. Paralegal programs often involve significant coursework in areas such as litigation and family law.

On the other hand, a legal studies degree is broader in scope. This type of degree focuses more on general topics within legal systems like ethics, public policy, legal history, and constitutional law. AMU’s program combines these areas of study with more focused coursework such as real estate law, criminal law and procedure, and civil litigation.

 

law student

What Comes After You Earn This Degree?

Earning an associate’s degree in legal studies introduces individuals to the legal field in areas such as civil law, family law, as well as contract and employment law.

This degree also may be foundational to prepare students for nonlawyer responsibilities that are often required in job duties such as paralegal work, preparing legal documents, legal analysis, compliance, jury consultancy, and victim advocacy.

After earning this degree, a bachelor's degree might be a next step. AMU offers a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in the discipline.

Interested in law school? There are many majors that can help provide solid grounding. This associate's degree program may be one to consider, along with majors in criminal justice, philosophy, political science, and sociology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Often, students weigh the worth of a program based on the quality of their learning. A legal degree online program that offers expert insight from skilled faculty members with real-world experience can be a significant value for students. So, programs that feature faculty with backgrounds as lawyers, legal assistants, paralegals, and the like, may provide great value for the student.

Legal degree programs, including an associate’s degree in legal studies, provide a broad framework for the exploration of the law from a multidisciplinary perspective. This area of study typically develops and sharpens legal studies majors’ skills in effective writing and communication, legal research and writing, and critical thinking.

Law and legal studies are similar but have differences. Law is a system of rules and regulations. Governments or governing authorities establish laws to govern and maintain social order. Legal studies is an interdisciplinary field of study. It examines law and legal systems through the lens of history, philosophy, sociology, and political science. Legal studies degrees do not qualify someone to become a lawyer. The practice of law requires additional education, training, and a license to practice. In summary, law is a practice, while legal studies is an academic discipline.

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jul 6
Register by Jul 3
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Admission Requirements

  • All AMU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021

Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and  master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance.